Glencross re-signs with Flames

Curtis Glencross took what most would consider a big hometown discount to stay in Calgary.

Then he celebrated by doing something he will have plenty more opportunity to do by taking the slighter salary.

The Calgary Flames winger took his mom and dad for dinner in Red Deer.

"My family is really excited," said the Provost product who signed a four-year, $10.2-million "And my wife's family.

"I don't think my wife could have been happier. She's from the country and it was tough for her to move into the city in Calgary. She's finally getting comfortable.

"When your family's happy, it makes it a lot easier on the player, too."

Flames GM Jay Feaster guesstimated Glencross could have received more than $1 million more a season over four years if he tested the free-agent waters after a career-high 24 goals and 43 points in 79 games last season.

But being close to home, with his folks now residing in Red Deer and his in-laws around Penhold -- where he spent his morning tending to cattle on the day his big deal was announced -- was critical to negotiations.

"I did take a pay cut. Family and all that is important to me, and I really love the Flames organization," Glencross said. "They've been good to me the last couple of years here, and I kind of took my game to the next level with the Flames organization. I'm excited to come back."

The no-movement clause was the tipping point.

"Obviously they couldn't get the money I could have got on the open market, with the contracts that they have right now," said Glencross, whose wife Tanya gave birth to their daughter in March.

"I feel very strongly when I say we need to be judicious when giving those," said Feaster of the no-movement clause that rounded out negotiations that also involved president Ken King, and the GM's special assistant Craig Conroy.

All of them foresee Glencross continuing his progress as an impact player.

"We believe this is a launching pad for Curtis this season," Feaster said. "I think you saw his confidence grow as the season went on."

Despite being a healthy scratch early in the year, the relationship between Glencross and head coach Brent Sutter grew, too.

"Guys can go either way with that," said Feaster. "In Curtis' credit, he handled it the right way.

"That was an experience, the two of them are closer now."

Meanwhile, Glencross will be able to maintain his close relationships, and enjoy his family for special occasions -- such as Monday's new contract.

Nothing elaborate, of course.

"Have a nice bottle of wine maybe," said Glencross, who was more than grateful at the opportunity that lies ahead of him.

"We're really lucky being in the situation we are and the place that I am playing, doing my dream, but can still have time for family and friends."